Germany Plans Major Workweek Reform: Flexible Hours Could Replace 8-Hour Rule

Government Pushes for Weekly Hour Cap Instead of Daily Limit

Germany’s governing coalition, composed of CDU/CSU and SPD, is advancing a plan that would fundamentally change how working hours are regulated in the country. The core proposal replaces the longstanding eight-hour daily work limit with a weekly maximum of 48 hours, aligning German law with the European Working Time Directive. Under this shift, employees could work four 10-hour days or even structure their time in alternative formats, as long as total hours do not exceed the weekly cap.

The planned reform, outlined in the coalition agreement, would introduce more flexibility for both employers and employees. Supporters argue it enables a better balance between professional and personal life. Critics warn, however, of potential consequences for health and safety, especially in sectors with physically demanding or shift-based work.

Public Support and Divided Opinions

A recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Deutsche Presse-Agentur indicates that 38 percent of respondents support the shift toward a weekly working time framework. Twenty percent are opposed, and 37 percent remain neutral. Support is especially strong among full-time employees who see the four-day model as a gateway to longer weekends.

Among those in favor, 82 percent cite increased flexibility for workers, while 44 percent also believe employers benefit from less rigid scheduling. However, 66 percent of opponents argue that productivity could suffer if daily work periods are extended beyond eight hours, and 61 percent are concerned about employee exhaustion.

When asked about personal preference, 37 percent of those surveyed would prefer working ten hours across four days—if paid the same as a standard five-day week—while only 28 percent favor the traditional eight-hour, five-day model.

Employers Cautious, Unions Alarmed

While the government promotes the change as a step toward modern, adaptable labor laws, reactions among employers and unions vary widely. A study by the employer-friendly Institute of the German Economy (IW) found that only 20 percent of businesses believe such compressed work schedules are feasible. Many fear additional staffing costs to cover the fifth day, particularly in service-driven sectors.

Trade unions have expressed strong reservations. The Hugo Sinzheimer Institute (HSI) of the Hans Böckler Foundation warns that extended workdays could lead to severe health issues, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and workplace accidents. In a report, HSI researchers noted that days longer than eight hours consistently lead to higher absenteeism and psychological strain.

DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi criticized the reform in public statements, warning that it could legitimize exploitative work models, particularly in subcontracted logistics and hospitality sectors. She emphasized that undermining the eight-hour rule could erode core protections built into German labor law.

Safety Measures and Legal Limits Remain

Despite concerns, the proposed changes would not eliminate existing rest period requirements. Under EU standards, workers must still receive 11 hours of rest between shifts, and the maximum workweek remains capped at 48 hours, including overtime. Collective agreements, individual contracts, and labor union protections would continue to apply.

Proponents from the German Employers’ Association (BDA) argue that these safety mechanisms are sufficient. According to BDA chief Steffen Kampeter, employee health would remain safeguarded under the reform due to persistent obligations regarding rest and break periods.

Historical Context and Changing Trends

The eight-hour workday has been a legal standard in Germany since 1918, inspired by 19th-century labor movements and popularized by British reformer Robert Owen. The original concept—eight hours for work, eight for rest, and eight for personal time—has shaped labor policy for generations. However, changing demographics, worker shortages, and economic pressures have reignited discussion over whether the structure still fits modern needs.

Germany’s average annual working hours have actually decreased in recent decades, falling from 1,478 hours in 1991 to 1,295 in 2023. This drop is largely due to the increase in part-time work, not shorter days for full-time employees. Policymakers are now exploring ways to improve efficiency while accommodating contemporary demands for work-life flexibility.

Reform Could Begin New Era of Work Culture

If implemented, the reform would mark a major cultural and legal shift in Germany’s labor system. While it opens the door to more adaptable working schedules and potentially fewer commutes, it also raises serious questions about long-term health, fairness across sectors, and the practical challenges of implementation.

Ongoing negotiations between government officials, trade unions, and business representatives are expected to determine the exact legal framework and conditions. The path forward remains contested, but the momentum behind this change suggests a significant transformation in the way Germans may work in the near future.